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Review

2004
Suzuki
Forenza Review

Style, features, and excellent pricing rolled into one exceptional vehicle.

Reviewed by Automotive on
1/28/2004

Overview

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza is more than an economy midsize sedan. It has more interior room than other top of the line competitors in the same class and is more powerful than the Honda Civic. Price appeal, stylish European design, comfort, convenience, and luxury will all make this compact sedan appealing to budget-minded consumers. This new compact sedan in the Suzuki lineup comes in four models: the S, the LX, and the EX. The S and LX models are available in both automatic and manual transmission.

The Range

What's New

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza is new to the Suzuki lineup of sedans. It features Italian styling, four-wheel drive, and a price that is well within the budget of the average car buyer.

Exterior

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza is available in three models with the S being the basic sedan and the EX being the top of the line. All have an overall length of 177.2 inches with a wheelbase of 102.4 inches. All Forenza models have 15-inch tires. The S model has steel wheels standard while the LX and EX models have alloy wheels. All models come with variable intermittent wipers and a rear window defogger. The LX and EX models add a power glass sunroof.

Interior

The inexpensive cost of the 2004 Suzuki Forenza doesn’t mean the company skimped on the features. All models come standard with air-conditioning and a micron cabin filtration system, which effectively limits the amount of allergens that enter the cabin. Heated outside mirrors, intermittent wipers, electric rear defrosters, four-wheel disc brakes, and a CD/cassette player system with eight speakers are also standard on all models. Power door locks, mirrors, and one touch power windows are on all models. The height adjustable driver seat has manual adjustable lumbar support and is positioned behind an adjustable tilt steering wheel with audio controls. The front is comprised of two bucket seats while the back is comprised of a split folding seat with an armrest storage center. Passenger convenience is enhanced with front and rear cup holders, a front console with storage, an overhead console with storage, and front seatback storage. There is a remote trunk release and front accessed 12-volt power outlets. Also included are dual vanity mirrors, front reading lights, and floor mats. The LX model adds cruise control, leather trimming on the steering wheel and shift knob, remote power door locks, speed proportional power steering, and a telescopic steering wheel. The EX model is the only model available with leather seats and a leather steering wheel.

Performance & Handling

All models of the 2004 Suzuki Forenza have a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 16 valves and an available 126 horsepower. Models include automatic and manual transmission options. Power for passing is ample and both transmission options have smooth shifting. The suspension system provides a soft ride with progressively weighted steering that helps the car feel connected to the road. The disc brakes provide exceptional stopping power.

Safety

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza is packed with safety features that will make it appealing to buyers interested in safety for their family. Standard safety features include child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, daytime running lights, front and rear adjustable height headrests, rear center three-point belt, front seat belt pretensioners, and an emergency interior trunk release. The LX and EX have an added remote anti-theft alarm system and front fog lights. All models scored four stars on the NHTSA passenger, driver, and rollover tests and scored three stars on the side impact front and side impact rear tests.